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Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Published January 7, 2011 at 7:00 am |

From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog [originally published 5 January 2010]

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was a novel approach to a zoo. Guests can drive their car from exhibit area to exhibit area, travel by tram, or rent a golf cart. We chose the golf cart option and that’s where the antics began. Who wouldn’t want to parody Jurassic Park?

Happy New Year. See you in 2011!

*****

IMG 3318 1024x682 Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Hey Explorers,

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2009 Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta

Published October 29, 2010 at 7:00 am |

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From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog [originally published 21 December 2009].

Flying in a hot air balloon has been on my adventure list for a long time. While in Pattaya, Thailand as part of the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Competition, I had the opportunity to fly in one for the first time. It was a dream come true and it was spectacular. Opportunities exist all over the world. And though they are often pricey, they are worth it – at least once.

Have a great weekend.

*****

Hey Explorers,

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Archive: Ultimate Thailand Explorers Briefing Session

Published September 3, 2010 at 7:00 am |

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From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog Archive [originally published 9 December 2009].

In my ongoing postings from my 2 weeks in Pattaya, Thailand, we’ll end the week with the Briefing Session we attend. It was here that we confirmed our itinerary with all the things to do in Pattaya.

Given that it’s a 3-day weekend here in the U.S., what plans do you have? There’s plenty of things to do!

*****

Hey Explorers,

The realization of 3 months of hard work is coming true. Today was our briefing session where all the teams reviewed their itinerary and learned all of the logistics for our 6-Day assignment. Here’s a YouTube video of our morning.

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Visiting Utah Olympic Park

Published October 5, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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IMG 0088 300x225 Visiting Utah Olympic Park

A trip to the Utah Olympic Park is a great afternoon. After having lunch in Park City, Utah, we continued down the road to the official home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visitors to the park will find themselves at the bottom of a long, windy road that leads to the summit of the mountain. Once at the top, you’ll have a great view of the city below, and the chance to get an up close look at Olympic Memorabilia from the 2002 games.

Take for example this display on how Olympic Medals are made.

IMG 0101 300x225 Visiting Utah Olympic Park

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Dining on Main Street in Park City, Utah

Published September 29, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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IMG 0067 300x225 Dining on Main Street in Park City, Utah

Today I wanted to share a quick trip that is just under an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Utah. Park City, Utah is probably best known for hosting the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. It’s also home to the Sundance Film Festival.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Park City takes you through the middle of two mountains. It’s a great drive, especially in the Autumn. Park City has several ski resorts scattered around the town, which while dormant now, are probably bustling with activity in the winter. And that’s how I imagine Park City to be, the quintessential ski resort town.

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Ultimate Thailand Explorers Discover Thai Food

Published September 28, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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IMG 0058 300x225 Ultimate Thailand Explorers Discover Thai Food

There are only 17 Days left in the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Contest. With only a few weeks lefts until I travel to South Africa for business, Brian and I are doing everything we can in these final days to prepare for our hopeful trip to Thailand. In last week’s blog entry, you read about us searching for books about Thailand. This week we traveled to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to search for Thai Food.

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Visiting the Great Salt Lake

Published September 22, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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I’ve only been to Utah one other time in my life. It was during a family vacation. We packed the family van and visited 30 States in 30 days. I’m proud to say that I have seen much of the United States of America and can venture forth into international worlds. Yet despite my travels in my home country, there is much I haven’t seen and done. On my trip to Utah we didn’t actually go to the Great Salt Lake. We went close, but not up to the water. Last week I had the opportunity to tie up these loose ends.

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Ben and Brian Search For Thai Books

Published September 19, 2009 at 4:50 pm |

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It’s been 2 weeks since Brian and I submitted our Ultimate Thailand Explorers Application Video. Today we surpassed 500 views. Others have over 10,000 views. I’m very curious how something like that can be possible. I have my theory, but not ready to share it just yet. The good news is, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has shared that:

“With audition videos nearing 50,000 views, new applicants are advised to remember that 25 semifinalist teams will be selected by judges based on the quality of their audition videos, not the number of views. Let your creativity, personality, and web-savvy shine through!”

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Climbing a Tree in Eugene, OR

Published September 15, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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When I arrived at the airport in Eugene, Oregon I asked the lady at the rental car company what’s the one thing I should do/see/eat in Eugene. I ask this question every time I travel to the usual suspects: rental car company, hotel front desk and cab driver. It is surprising how difficult a question it would seem I am asking. Seriously, you work in travel and hospitality. Train your people to be able to answer this question without saying “Gee, I don’t know”. I don’t think I’m asking a lot, am I?

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Ultimate Thailand Explorers

Published September 8, 2009 at 11:21 am |

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Wow. I can’t believe it. In June when I started this blog my intention was to write down all my travel stories for posterity and share them with the world. Bonus points if I was able to make a few dollars from it and get a sponsorship or two. Now three months into the process and I’ve just submitted an application to the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Contest. It seems very unreal. I’m feeling really good that Brian and I have a chance at making it to the final 25 – and maybe the final 5.

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